Fossa navicularis magna detection on cone-beam computed tomography

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Anatomy
• Skull Base Imaging

Background:

• Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is increasingly used for dental and maxillofacial evaluations.
• Anatomical variations in the skull base can be mistaken for pathology.
• The basiocciput region contains several important anatomical structures and potential variations.

Observation:

• Incidental detection of fossa navicularis magna during CBCT imaging for implant site evaluation.
• Osseous, notch-like defects observed on the inferior aspect of the clivus in four patients.
• Varied appearance of fossa navicularis magna, ranging from a lytic defect to a distinct notch.

Findings:

• Fossa navicularis magna identified as a radiographic variant of the canalis basilaris medianus.
• The defect is located on the inferior aspect of the clivus, within or adjacent to the basiocciput.
• Demonstration of the variable radiographic presentation of this anatomical variant.

Implications:

• Highlights the importance of recognizing anatomical variants to avoid misdiagnosis of pathology.
• Contributes to the understanding of normal anatomical variations in the basiocciput region.
• Provides valuable information for radiologists and clinicians interpreting CBCT scans of the skull base.